Salah al-Din Thermal Power Station in Iraq targeted by ISIS

SAMARRA, Iraq — The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity announced that the Salah al-Din Thermal Power Station in Samarra was attacked by rocket, resulting in severe damage to the parts of the obstetric unit. The attack also caused the separation of the Diyala line, which runs east of Baghdad, due to the targeting of lectic towers with explosives near the Khan Bani Saad area.

The station, which produces about 1,260 megawatts of electricity, was only inaugurated last week by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

Iraq produces roughly 60% of its power domestically, purchasing the rest from neighboring Iran and Turkey. The frequent power cuts in the country have led to protests, especially in the summer, when temperatures can hit 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).

Media outlets of the Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack.